6MONTHS POSTPARTUM
Six months postpartum, and I can truly say that God has been working on me in so many ways during this time. It's easy when you find out you're pregnant to let the enemy and the world convince you that everything is going to change for the worse.
I try to be as transparent as I can be in this space. I heard it all when I got pregnant. There is much fear-mongering when women become pregnant; it's no wonder they're scared and are waiting to have children! "Kiss your body goodbye!", "You'll have to give that all up once the baby comes", "Just wait", "You'll never be able to do that when you're pregnant," "You'll never look the same again," and "once you have a child, you'll always have a mom pouch."
So here's your PSA—If you're that girl worried about the unknown, I'm here on the other side to tell you that being a mother is the greatest blessing of your life. What the world says is just not true. I have loved pregnancy and every second of being pregnant. It was when I felt the most beautiful and confident, and I was so proud of what my body was doing.
Don't fall for the stigma, or the mainstream media agenda of Pregnancy + Children—
You don't have to lose all your progress.
You don't have to lose everything you've worked for.
10 months + postpartum is such a small sliver of our lives.
Being pregnant doesn't have to be miserable.
The habits you build before you become a mom are still your foundations when you become one.
Yes, you and your body will be different, but in the best way possible.
It's an experience of expansion, not of subtraction in my eyes. The gift you are given after is worth it regardless.
You are more than your body.
And you can do whatever the freak you put your mind to.
That is all.
God has revealed many things to me during this time that i would have never experienced unless I had MJ like the importance of Sabbath and honoring rest in ways I hadn't before, idolization isn't just worshipping golden calves, it can be the gym, your body, selfishness, people too, and when you birth your child, you rebirth a whole new you!
All that to say; God uses our experiences to refine us, shake us up and make us more like him!
You were made for this!!
Building on my journey at six months postpartum, I wanted to share some more practical insights into truly embracing this incredible phase. It's one thing to say 'love your body,' but how do you actually do it when your reflection feels unfamiliar? I remember standing in front of the mirror, much like taking a mirror selfie, and sometimes feeling a disconnect. But that's where the real 'mum transformation' began for me – not just mentally, but physically too. One of the biggest shifts was understanding that my body wasn't 'broken,' it was transformed. It had performed a miracle! Instead of focusing on getting back to 'before,' I started focusing on what my body could do now. For instance, gentle movement became my friend. After getting the all-clear from my doctor, I started with short walks around the block, slowly building up my stamina. It wasn't about burning calories, but about feeling stronger, more energetic, and clearing my head. Pelvic floor exercises, often overlooked, were a game-changer for me – they truly helped with core strength and reclaiming a sense of bodily control. Nourishing myself also played a huge role in feeling good. With a newborn, it's so easy to grab whatever is quick, but I found that prioritizing nutrient-dense meals made a huge difference in my energy levels and overall mood. Think hearty soups, nourishing stews, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Hydration, too, is key, especially if you're breastfeeding. It's these small, consistent habits that helped me feel more like myself, or rather, my new self – thriving and growing, not just surviving. For anyone looking at their 'postpartum body week by week' and feeling overwhelmed, remember that healing is not linear. Some days you'll feel amazing, others not so much. I learned to be incredibly patient and kind to myself. Finding clothes that fit well and made me feel good, even if they weren't my pre-pregnancy size, helped immensely with confidence. It's not about hiding your body, but about dressing it in a way that makes you feel empowered and comfortable, celebrating the incredible journey it’s been on. Just like that confident mirror selfie, finding moments to appreciate your incredible body and all it represents, is so important. Beyond the physical, prioritizing mental well-being is paramount. Allow yourself grace on tough days, connect with other mums, and don't hesitate to seek support if you need it. This journey is about self-discovery and becoming an even stronger, more resilient version of yourself. This is how a 'good girl grows' into an empowered mum, truly owning her unique and powerful story, embracing every part of her 'mum transformation' with pride.